External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told an audience in Chennai on Friday that India will exercise its sovereign right to defend itself against terrorism and that no external actor can dictate how it chooses to do so. Speaking at the inauguration of Shaastra 2026, the techno-entertainment festival at IIT Madras, Jaishankar offered a blend of firm security messaging and a broader explanation of India’s neighbourhood policy.
India’s right to defend
Jaishankar said India would take the measures required to protect its people. He said that when a neighbouring state persistently sponsors or tolerates terrorism, India has the right to act. “How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should or should not do. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves,” he told the gathering.
The minister framed the security discussion within the practicalities of neighbourly relations. He noted that while long-standing arrangements such as water-sharing agreements exist, they cannot be reconciled with sustained hostile behaviour. “If you say please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism against you, that is not reconcilable,” Jaishankar said.
Beyond security, Jaishankar used the platform to outline elements of Indian diplomacy. He referenced the Sanskrit maxim Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, commonly translated as the world is a family, but emphasised its pragmatic application. He argued that Indian foreign policy seeks problem solving with limited resources, deploying competitiveness, institutional partnerships and India’s own strengths to achieve maximum impact.
The minister also touched on bilateral ties within the region. Responding to questions about unrest in Bangladesh, Jaishankar referred to his recent visit to Dhaka to attend the funeral of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He said India maintains a mix of relations across its borders and that where neighbours are constructive or at least not harmful, India will be generous and helpful.
“Most of our neighbours have understood that India’s growth translates into growth for the region,” he said. Jaishankar expressed the hope that as political situations settle, neighbourliness in South Asia will strengthen and deliver mutual benefits.
Jaishankar’s remarks at IIT Madras come amid continued focus on India’s strategic environment and its role as a regional stabiliser. The minister balanced a clear statement on the use of force in defence of the nation with diplomatic language aimed at cooperation, development and shared prosperity. His comments underline the dual nature of India’s approach to external threats and regional engagement: resolute on security, pragmatic in partnership.
The session attracted students and academics attending Shaastra 2026 and served as a reminder that debates on foreign policy and security remain central to public discourse in India, particularly as the country navigates complex neighbourhood dynamics and seeks to expand its global influence.
Key Takeaways:
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirms India will exercise its sovereign right to defend against terrorism.
- Jaishankar links security concerns to neighbourhood policy and water-sharing arrangements with neighbouring states.
- He invoked Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam while stressing pragmatic diplomacy and regional cooperation.
- The remarks came during the inauguration of Shaastra 2026 at IIT Madras and referenced recent engagement with Bangladesh.
